Checking in on Earth's N600K Processing Status

  The most recent update was posted on September 16th and there hasn't been any changes since then.  I've debated calling but have decided against it since any agent I speak to probably won't have access to any other information besides what's available to me online.  All we can do now is wait and hope that the paperwork moves through quickly.

Happy Halloween from Swat Darth Vader!

 When your 4-year-old picks out his costume all by himself...

A Busy Kwaj Weekend

Adoption Fraud in Arizona

 I know what it's like to want a family and not have one.  I know what it's like to feel like everyone has a baby except you.  I know what it's like to not be able to go into a room because it's set up for a baby that you're still waiting for.
 I also know that growing your family through adoption is a beautiful thing but it should never be easy.  To bring a child into your home through adoption should never be simple, fast, or clean.  If it is any of those things, there is a chance that something isn't right in the background.  I was surprised and relieved when I saw this story on NPR this morning:

 I've known about and advocated against Paul Petersen (and other lawyers like him) for a long time.  Adoption is a common cultural practice in the Marshall Islands as a way to share resources and strengthen family bonds and it has been very easy for people like Petersen to take advantage of those traditions for their own gain.
  I'm so thankful that he has finally been caught after evading the law for so many years and I hope that the trial helps put a stop to this horrible practice.  I also hope that all the families involved in this can get a measure of peace and move forward with their lives.